Welcome to this edition of the Fifth District Report, an electronic newsletter keeping you updated about the events taking place in Orange County and in the Fifth District. It is my hope that you find this distribution informative and I would encourage you to contact me regarding any thoughts, comments, or concerns you may have.

Every year on the Fourth of July we mark that day in 1776 when fifty six men signed a document declaring a new nation. Unique to human history, our founders established a nation based not on ethnicity or religion, but based on a common set of ideals: individual freedom, equality, and a government that is subordinate to the people.

The story of America is one that includes great feats of exploration, innovative technological advances, groundbreaking social movements and the constant struggle to preserve our freedoms, as well as the freedoms of others. Ours is a proud history. Sadly, however, it is a history that we all too often forget to honor and instill in future generations. Ronald Reagan once warned “if we forget what we did, we won't know who we are.” It is the responsibility of each of us to make certain that the next generation knows the story of America, knows why our nation was founded and understands the importance of the shared values our nation was founded upon.

On this July 4th, let’s make a commitment to do the work necessary to ensure that our history is not forgotten and that the values of individual liberty endure.

BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

Board Approves FY 2010-11 Budget

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a $5.5 billion dollar budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11.

The new budget includes 36 fewer employee positions than in FY 09-10, continuing a trend that has resulted in a decrease of more than 1,000 County employee positions since FY 07-08. In recognition of the impact of the continuing economic downturn on the County, the Board of Supervisors also extended through December 16, 2010 a resolution authorizing elected officials to contribute five percent of their salary to the County and extended a 5% pay reduction for County executive managers.

The adopted County budget demonstrates the Board’s continued commitment to the safety and welfare of County residents while prudently using financial reserves to preserve essential County services. Additionally, County officials are carefully monitoring progress toward agreement on a State budget that could dramatically impact many existing County programs.

The new County budget took effect July 1, 2010.

Board Accepts 20,000 Acres of Open Space

On June 29, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to accept a gift of historic proportions – 20,000 acres of protected open space donated by the Irvine Company to the County for preservation and guided recreation.

The largest single donation of land to the County in its history, the Irvine Ranch Open Space gift increases OC Parks’ parkland by 50 percent, to 60,000 acres. Conservation efforts on the land will continue and Orange County residents and visitors will be able to access it through a variety of programs and activities including hiking, mountain biking, equestrian rides, naturalist-guided tours and managed wilderness access days.

The gifted land encompasses a large portion of the Historic Irvine Ranch, which is designated a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior. Much of the Irvine Ranch Open Space is adjacent to existing County Regional and Wilderness Parks. Gypsum and Fremont canyons are next to Irvine Regional Park; Limestone Canyon is next to Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park; and the Laguna Laurel portion will be operated as a part of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

The gift includes 1,988 acres that will become Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Orange County’s newest wilderness park. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy will continue to operate recreational programs and scientific research under a contract with OC Parks. Additionally, OC Parks Rangers will patrol the land.

With the exception of Laguna Beach, every city within the Fifth District individually contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services. This week, the Board approved Fiscal Year 2010-2011 law enforcement contracts between the Sheriff’s Department and the following Fifth District cities: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano. Contracts for Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Woods will come back to the Board later this month.

The Sheriff’s Department provides each of these cities with outstanding law enforcement services, which contributes to the high level of public safety we enjoy in South County. Additionally, at this time, contracting with the Sheriff’s Department is a cost efficient use of taxpayer dollars, as cities are able to save on the large overhead costs that would be needed to operate their own individual departments.

As always, however, the Board of Supervisors and City Councils must remain watchful of the creeping costs of law enforcement. Each year, the costs of these contracts increase while the service provided either stays the same or is reduced. Most of the increase is due to rising retirement and benefit costs. The ever-increasing cost of law enforcement services highlights the need to keep reform of the current pension systems as a top priority for both this Board of Supervisors and policy makers statewide.

Housing & Community Development Appointment

Lake Forest Councilwoman Kathryn McCullough was designated by the Orange County League of Cities to serve on the Housing and Community Development Commission, a commission that plays an important role in addressing Orange County’s housing needs. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors confirmed Councilwoman McCullough’s appointment to the Commission.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

2010-11 Measure M2 Sales Tax Revenue Projections Released

In 2006, Orange County voters passed Renewed Measure M, or M2, a continuation of the half cent sales tax that funds local transportation projects in Orange County. M2 will begin collecting revenue in 2011. Previous forecasts from 2005 estimated that M2 would generate about $24.3 billion in revenue over the life of the 30 year program.

In light of the significant and prolonged economic downturn, the Orange County Transportation Authority presented the Board this week with updated figures for Measure M2 using forecasts generated by Chapman University, California State University, Fullerton and University California, Los Angeles. These three universities’ project that the average sales tax revenue growth for FY 2010-11 will be 6.1 percent. Taking a more conservative approach, OCTA has generated a forecast based on a sales tax growth of 1.1 percent. Based on the more conservative estimate, OCTA projects M2 will generate $13.6 billion over the next 30 years, a nearly 40 percent reduction from previous estimates.

It is our hope that the economy will rebound and these numbers will come closer to approaching the original estimates as we move forward. To view a power point presentation with more information, please click here.

Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee Vacancies Filled

On Monday, four new members were selected to serve on the Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee. The committee is responsible for ensuring all revenue collected from Measure M is spent as spelled out in Measure M plan approved by voters.

Each year, the recruitment process is conducted by the Grand Jurors Association of Orange County. The following new members were seated July 1:

District 1: Richard Egan of Westminster

District 3: Dowling Tsai of Villa Park

District 4: John Stammen of Buena Park

District 5: Elliott A. Rouff of Lake Forest

I extend my congratulations to all the new members and my appreciation to them for stepping forward to take on this very important assignment.

OCTA Vanpool Program Update

The OCTA Vanpool Program offers Orange County bound commuters an alternative transportation option for their daily home-to-work travel. Since its inception in 2007, the program has grown steadily to 57 employers serving 22 cities in the county.

Through the program, qualifying vanpools receive $400 monthly to subsidize a van rental with a private company. The program is funded by OCTA as part of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program.

From July 2009 through April 2010, the OCTA vanpool program provided more than 690,000 passenger trips, reduced vehicle miles traveled by more than 13 million and eliminated 1,450 cars from Orange County roadways.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

Share Your Feedback about John Wayne Airport Construction

As you may know, John Wayne Airport is currently undergoing construction of a new third terminal, additional parking structure and a central utility power plant as part of its Airport Improvement Program. Construction on the program began in 2009 and is scheduled to be complete in late 2011.

John Wayne Airport is committed to providing first-class aviation passenger facilities in Orange County. For this reason, the Airport is asking for feedback from travelers to help John Wayne Airport continue to maintain a safe, secure and positive travel experience. To provide valued feedback by taking a survey, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

Local Ballerina Makes International Semifinals

This past weekend Fifth District resident and ballerina, Emily Entingh, was one of the only Americans in the junior women’s division to make it to the semifinal round of the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. This was no easy fete as Emily, a San Clemente High School junior, competed against 119 other ballerinas from 36 different countries.

I would like to congratulate Emily on her amazing accomplishment and wish her the best of luck as she heads up north to participate in the San Francisco Ballet School’s summer program.

CRITTER CHRONICLES

Fourth of July Safety Tips for Pets

As the Fourth of July holiday is upon us and we celebrate with friends and family, it’s important to keep in mind the safety of our pets. Here are a few safety tips and reminders that can make this holiday enjoyable and safe for everyone including our furry friends:

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to animals, unless the label states it can be specifically used for animals.

Keep your pets on their normal diet. It may be tempting to give them something off the grill, but any change in their diet can lead to severe consequences.

Food items such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can be toxic to your pets.

Pets do not like fireworks so do not light fireworks around them or take them to loud and crowded firework displays.

For more information on how to ensure your pets’ safety on the Forth of July, please click here.

HARBOR HAPPENINGS

The Fourth of July holiday brings thousands of people to Dana Point Harbor. With the increase in local residents and visitors alike, managing traffic and parking can prove to be challenging. In order to ameliorate these conditions, there are several new features for parking and a July 4th Public Shuttle Service being provided. For more information, click here.

SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

What better way to honor America then by attending one of the many fantastic firework displays within the Fabulous Fifth District? I encourage you to celebrate the two hundredth and thirty-fourth anniversary of our great nation’s independence at one of these many South County events:

Provided a certificate to Realty One Group of Laguna Niguel on the occasion of its ribbon cutting ceremony

Adjourned the June 29, 2010 Board of Supervisors meeting in honor of Mike and Patricia Sevcsisin

Said goodbye to my Chief of Staff Chip Monaco who has accepted a position at OC Waste & Recycling. To fill his place, I promoted Don Hughes of my staff as my new Chief of Staff. I thank Chip for his unsurpassed commitment to serving the Fifth District and wish him the best of luck in his new role with the County.

My office also:

Met with Public Works to discuss Fifth District roads projects

Attended the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Forum

My staff and I look forward to continually providing you updated information in our Fifth District Newsletter and website.

Please feel free to contact my office with your concerns, comments or questions at (714) 834-3550. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Supervisor for Orange County's Fabulous Fifth District.